How Could She?

Maybe I have a small mind, and maybe it is closed. I cannot imagine leaving the Tribe, the Plains, and my home for any reason. Life swells with joy, and it overflows with sorrow at times - that is part of life. That does not mean we run away from our problems. That does nothing, and it never makes them go away. That is only the coward's way of hiding from things that we do not wish to face. I cannot imagine doing that. Mayala did. That's where she has been. She left the Tribe as if we were nothing to her.

I know that she and Saresh had their problems. Everyone in the Tribe knows since many of their discussions happened in front of the fires for all to see. People talk, and that is another facet of Tribe life. That is not the point. I know they had their problems, but I never expected either of them to just pack and leave like that. It doesn't make any sense. I have no right to be hurt, but I am. I have no right to be angry, but I am. I feel betrayed. I thought I was her friend, and she didn't even talk to me or try. I thought we were close, and I knew nothing about these plans to leave her life and family behind. I feel betrayed. Its like another death. She is not dead, but she might as well be.